Tuesday, April 6, 2010

As is our custom here at Average Golfer, I'll lead with an encouraging "Bet early and often". This year's version of the Masters may be particularly tough to handicap. The world #1 is coming off a five month hiatus. The rest of the field is relatively even with who should have been a favorite, Phil Mickelson, playing poorly, and who shouldn't have been considered, Ernie Els, on a tear.

Sticking with tradition, in a tradition laden event, we rely on our trusty British bookmakers, Ladbrokes. In an unusual tactic to attract more money, Ladbrokes, if Woods wins the Masters, will pay off a 2nd place finish as a win. You get to bet the Masters without Woods skewing the board. Interesting.

Ready, let's figure this baby out.....

Woods, 5:1 - No brainer. Of course he can win. I think the ring rust will prevent him from doing so. Still, bet against him at your own peril.

Kaymer, 40:1 - Under the radar. Would benefit from more looks at Augusta. Don't think so.

Villegas, 40:1 - Hard to argue. His game is better than it appears, if that makes sense. Could win.

Anthony Kim, 40:1 - Fresh off a win. Talent's there. Set birdie record last year here. Could win.

For the sake of brevity I've left anyone with 50:1 odds or greater out of the discussion. Keep in mind there's a plethora of great players in that group highlighted by defending champ Cabrera, Dustin Johnson, Mahan, Vijay Singh, O'Hair, Garcia, et al. Some relatively straight tee balls and a hot putter can bring one a long way at the Masters.

The idiot that started this.

Avid golfer. Been playing in earnest for the last 13 years. Trying to figure out how to play the 50+ rounds I used to play before a recent career change.Open to any and all ideas. A member of the Golf Clubmakers Association, (GCA). I enjoy building and repairing clubs. I like dogs a lot. Big dogs. Cats are for other people to like.
Favorite Quote- "There's no way out of
here" -David Gilmour